Tess is More: An Interview With Plus Model Tess Holliday

Sometime last year I was absentmindedly scrolling through my Facebook timeline when I was stopped in my tracks by an absolutely stunning face in a photo shared by one of my friends. The face, I later found out, was attached to Miss Tess Holliday (formerly Tess Munster), an up-and-coming plus size model from California. Soon enough, I my way to her Facebook page to become a fan.

I’ve been following Tess for a year now, and every day my fandom grows a little more. Not only does she model “fatshions” so cute they make an average-sized gal like myself jealous, but she’s also a mom, a business woman and an activist. If you follow her on Tumblr you’ll see her offering words of encouragement to men and women of all shapes and sizes on a daily basis – be yourself, don’t let the fuckers get you down, beauty has no size, etc. (And please, for the love of Godzilla, consult her FAQ before you ask about her make up routine or where she gets her clothes!)

I finally decided it was time to step away from all the baking and destroying for a moment, and to introduce this inspiring woman to those of you who haven’t already seen her in the pages of Inked and Skorch Mag, or modeling your favorite plus-sized fashions.

By: Monique Antionette Photography MUA/Hair: Manny Martinez

So Tess, you were discovered by a casting agent for A&E’s “Heavy” through your portfolio on Model Mayhem – what made you decide to pursue modeling in the first place? What were you doing before you started booking modeling jobs?

I had always wanted to be a model, but never thought that I would have the opportunity to because of my height and size. Once I landed the “Heavy” gig, I realized that was my chance to finally pursue my dream. Prior to modeling, I worked in banking and at a dental office.

Your style is a little retro, a little spooky and a little bit fairytale… what kind of little girl were you? Were you always dressing up and pretending?

I was always living in my own dream world. I have always had a very big imagination and I think that has a lot to do with my style. I spent my days hiding in the “clubhouse’” my grandpa had built for me and pretending that I was an actress, or some famous star. My mother would let me wear her makeup and clothes and I would dance around our house singing Ace of Base. While all of the girls around me were chasing boys, I was wearing Tweety Bird and playing with Barbies.

Do you feel like your personal style has changed or evolved since your modeling career has taken off?

Oh definitely. The access and knowledge that I have gained to different designers that I didn’t have before has really changed how I dress and look at fashion. Also, I have always loved fashion, but I didn’t learn how to truly love myself and feel comfortable in my own skin until I started modeling. With that came the confidence to be more adventurous with clothing. I take risks and don’t limit myself on what I “can’t” wear because of my size. Before modeling I didn’t even own lingerie, now I will wear a bustier or garter skirt out to an event. If you got, flaunt it, right?

Photographer: Monique Antoinette MUA/Hair: Manny Martinez

Sometimes I read the fan letters you get on Facebook and Tumblr and I get choked up. It’s so amazing to see how much confidence you instill in other women of all shapes and sizes – did that take you by surprise at first? How do you feel about being a role model?

Yes, it was surreal… It still is. When I got my first letter I cried, and I thought, “Who? Me?” To this day, I don’t consider myself a role model, but more of an “ambassador” for women and men of all sizes, sex, race, etc. Believe it or not, I get a lot of emails from gay men that relate to me because they to know what it’s like to be treated like an outcast for something you cannot change. The message of loving yourself is universal, and affects us all whether we admit it or not. I just try my very best to make sure that everything I’m doing and saying is setting a good example for everyone that is watching me. There are so many examples of what not to do out there, and I don’t want to be one.

I’ve heard you say that the key to confidence is to surround yourself by positive people who build you up rather than tear you down. (And when all else fails, put on some lipstick and go out and have fun.) Do you still have moments when your confidence waivers? If so, what triggers that?

Like everyone, I’m human so I most certainly have my moments. It’s usually a combination of the opposite sex, online “trolls,” and old insecurities that sneak up on me. However, when I encounter those feelings, I just remind myself that I’m fabulous, and if other’s can’t see it, that’s their problem, not mine.

What are some misconceptions you think people have about plus size models and the plus size modeling world?

That it’s easy…and it’s not. We don’t just stand there and take photos, there is so much blood, sweat, and tears that goes into every photo, every job, and it takes a very strong woman to succeed in this very tough industry. Also, women don’t understand that a size 10 is industry standard whether they like it or not. With that being said, they have to remember that it’s just as hurtful to the “smaller” plus models to be bashed because of their size just like it is for larger plus models like myself. We are all working for the same cause and we can accomplish so much more united.

I’ve heard you say that some members of your family, and sometimes even your own friends don’t approve of your size, and get on your case to lose weight. How do you handle the assumption that a size 22 woman can’t be healthy? What do you do to stay healthy?

Simple… I ignore their ignorance. Do I eat cheeseburgers, cupcakes, and all things awfully delicious? Yes. Do I do it all the time? No. I try my very best to keep everything in moderation. I absolutely love to cook, and growing up down south, I only knew how to cook really fatty foods. So, I started reading and researching about how to eat and cook healthy. I drink a ton of water, exercise, and stay away from soda as much as possible.

Who are the people in your life who have always been supportive of you and your career?

My mother is really the only person that ever believed in me growing up and still to this day. She always encouraged me to chase after my dreams no matter how absurd or impossible.

Growing up I was the pasty -skinned girl with her nose stuck in a Greek mythology book, and later I was the “devil worshiper” in a Catholic High school. Now that I’m a grown woman and I’m comfortable with who I am, it’s so important to me that my son be accepting and understanding of people from all walks of life. How does being a mom influence your mission to empower other women?

I grew up in the “bible belt” where no one respected anyone that was considered out of the “norm”. That’s the reason why I do not live where I grew up because I too want my son to respect everyone, regardless. It’s a fact that we are not born prejudiced, it is taught, and it’s up to us to break the cycle and teach our children to love themselves and one another.

A few weeks ago someone on Tumblr used your photo as “thinsporation” on a pro-anorexia blog. They say “haters gonna hate” but how do you prevent things like that from raining on your parade?

When I first encountered that photo, and other down right evil things people have said about me, I was angry. Then, I realized that I cannot be mad at them because clearly they are sick and need help. I understand that not everyone has fully accepted who they are, and some never will, so for them, seeing a bigger girl like me in a bikini or sometimes…nothing at all, is foreign to them. So, what do we do as humans when we don’t understand something? We tear it apart instead of educating ourselves and opening our minds and hearts. So for me, instead of taking the road of hate towards them, I just hope that one day they learn to love themselves and get the help they need.

Let’s talk about fun stuff now… What is the single best cupcake you’ve ever eaten?

The Lemon Blueberry Cupcake from Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. YUM!

If you could steal the wardrobe from any movie ever made, what movie would it be?

I cannot choose just one, but I can narrow it down by saying either Tank Girl (because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want torpedo boobs?!) or The Great Gatsby. I know it’s not out yet, but based on the photos I have seen, I would die to prance around in it all.

What song results in a guaranteed dance party every time you hear it?

It’s a tie…and an odd tie at that: The Faint – Worked Up So Sexual. I cannot help but dance all over the room when it pops up on iPod! Murder City Devils- Boom Swagger Boom. They are my favorite band, so perhaps I’m a bit partial, but how can you not shake what you got to this song?

Domino Dollhouse

Are there any current fashion trends you’d like to make illegal?

Where do I begin?

Stirrup pants, they are down right awful and should have never been in style 20 years ago.

Ed Hardy & Affliction clothing makes me cringe, and I think it should all be burned and looks ridiculous.

Uggs. Enough said.

Jeggings. They don’t look good on anyone, and jeans are so rad – why ruin the idea of them?

2011 was jam-packed for you, and you just booked your first overseas shoot in Australia. What other forms of magic does 2012 hold for Tess Munster?

I think the best is yet to come! In the next month I’m hoping to launch my website, and start expanding into other areas of the industry. I am also modeling for a couple new clothing companies that I’m very excited about, as well as traveling and speaking to women about my journey of finding self love. I recently joined forces with a couple magazines that I will have monthly features in, so I will also be writing a lot more…which I love! Last, but not least, I will be spending more time with my son, and taking time to appreciate how far I’ve come, or as they say “stopping to smell the roses”. I know life won’t always be this sweet, and I want to appreciate every moment while it’s here!

If you could go back in time and tell 12-year-old Tess one thing, what would it be?

The bullies don’t know what they are talking about, and that you really are beautiful. So what that you are a little bigger than most girls, you are healthy, and there is nothing wrong with the way you look. Being unique isn’t bad, it’s just different…and not everyone will understand that, but that’s OKAY! Just be yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

I love my eyes. When I was much younger I was picked on all of the time for being taller than everyone. When I was a teenager I was picked on all of the time for being heavier than everyone. Being a teenage girl is no fun and I had many a breakdown locked in my bathroom crying about it. My father used to try and comfort me and ask what I could change. I wanted to change everything … right down to the color of my eyes. Today, surrounded by amazing friends and family who love me for me, no matter what my height, or weight, I know I’m pretty near perfect the way that I am and I wouldn’t change anything – not even my eye color – for anything.

Virginia García Ruiz
on March 15, 2012 at 8:18 am

I love my eyes… I love their colour. Its a wonderful mixture of hazel/brown/green, and a itty bitty of amber. Even if you look very closely, you will notice my left eye is slightly lighter and more green then the right one. But this is a gift only for the people I choose to look at me soo close… <3

Alexis
on March 15, 2012 at 8:18 am

I love my fabulous sense of style!!!

Amelia
on March 15, 2012 at 8:19 am

I love my brain! No matter what I look like, I’ll always have my smarts!

Sarah
on March 15, 2012 at 8:19 am

I love my eyes!

jessica
on March 15, 2012 at 8:19 am

I love my butt, yes i said it my big round bubbly butt!!!

Jane
on March 15, 2012 at 8:20 am

I love my nimble fingers (sounds weird, I know, but all the better to create with)

Danita
on March 15, 2012 at 8:23 am

I love my hips! They are just so large and beautiful <3

Tracy
on March 15, 2012 at 8:25 am

I love my attitude..I finally except myself just the way I am!!

Allyson
on March 15, 2012 at 8:25 am

I love my big thighs!

Sharmaine
on March 15, 2012 at 8:25 am

I love my lips, especially with red lipstick!!!

Jessica
on March 15, 2012 at 8:29 am

I Love my Ta-Tas!

Amy
on March 15, 2012 at 8:29 am

i love my skin…. its thick and confident and only mine…. i am my own kind of beautiful<3

I love my body my extra pounds i love that i love my self and i love people that feel comfterble in their body shape!

Veronica
on March 15, 2012 at 8:37 am

I love my scars!!! As a kid I was real clumsy (still am) and it was my families joke that i couldnt go a year without visiting the hospital (The longest time Ive gone without visiting the hospital is a year with a couple of months lol). I think they add a bit of character lol

I love my fat thighs. They’re probably the fattest part of me other than my stomach but I’ve been doing Thigh Thursdays on Tumblr for a couple of weeks now and have had nothing but positive comments.
They are also so soft to the touch, so what’s not to love?

The chubby community on Tumblr is awesome, and Tess is my shero. I’ve got my eye on several Domino Dollhouse pieces 😉 xoxox

Besides my green eyes…I love my wonky pinky toe…it looks different than my other pinky toe. I rock flip flops & sandals..I used to be embarrassed of it, but who cares!! I tweeted my answer as well under @g0t_bliss
Thank you for another great post Natalie!! <3

I love my hourglass shape! I never used to show it off very often, but over the last couple of years, my self confidence has really grown. Now I love wearing clothes that show off my hourglass curves – and boy to heads turn when I do! Vavavoom!!!

Zaida
on March 15, 2012 at 8:52 am

I LOVE MY UNIQUENESS, I TRY NOT TO BE PART OF THE NORM AND DONT CARE WHO LIKES WHAT I WEAR OR HOW I WEAR IT. I JUST LOVE ME<3

great interview. love Tess and Domino Dollhouse(one of my favs)
I love my smile. when i smile i get these dimples in my cheeks and on my chin that i love also

Keri
on March 15, 2012 at 8:55 am

I love my body! It’s taken me a long time to realize how gorgeous my 280 pound figure is, but now I absolutely love my big belly, fat, jiggly thighs, and my muscular calves. I’m beautiful just the way I am. <3 Tess is one of my greatest inspirations.

What a great interview! Tess really is such an inspiration! Way to stick it to a society that has lost sight on what’s really beautiful. I hope that someday I can be as self-loving and wholeheartedly wonderful as Tess!
Oh, and I love my blonde hair! Nothing beats the look on someone’s face when they realize how intelligent I really am despite the bleach blonde hair, bright colored lipstick, and polka-dot sunglasses 😉
(and my pale skin, tattoos are so vibrant and beautiful on us pasty girls!)

Laura Winnery
on March 15, 2012 at 9:13 am

I love MYSELF! Ladies like lovely Tess (whom I’m a little obsessed with, she’s an absolute doll) have helped me come along in leaps and bounds with my self-confidence and I’m now more than happy to show off my great rack, my cute tummy, my big bum, my chubby thighs. I’m not afraid to wear things that are short or tight anymore; I even wore a bikini to the beach last year! I’m freckly and fat and covered in stretch marks and scars, but I’m gorgeous, inside and out.All bodies are good bodies!

Christine Sanchez
on March 15, 2012 at 9:15 am

My butt

Chelsea W
on March 15, 2012 at 9:15 am

I love my legs. They look killer in heels, and I can’t help but wear mini skirts to show them off!

I love my smile and lips. My teeth may not be the whitest, but I still get compliments on how nice it is. Whenever I feel self-conscious, I’ve learned to just smile, it really helps. ^-^

Nichole
on March 15, 2012 at 9:16 am

I love my heart …. Because no matter how fat, old or ugly I get ill always have the same heart and as long as I’m a good person on the inside and love myself and everyone around me who cares what anyone else thinks about how I look on the outside its what’s on the inside that counts and daily encouragement from Tess and so many more have made my heart fill with that much more love for life and an what it has to offer… Love yourself, Dream big and go after what your heart truly desires!

I love my brain. Hands down, it’s the sexiest part of me. My second love would be my powerful thighs. I’ve got massive quads that make me feel strong and light regardless of how heavy I am : )

Casey
on March 15, 2012 at 9:56 am

I love my big lips and mismatched eyes. My mom always reminds me how much money people pay to get lips like mine, and even though one of my eyelids droops, I think it gives me character. My sister is the same way and I feel closer to her for it.

Thank you SO much for featuring my Natalie! This interview was a absolute BLAST, & loved answering something different for a change! “for the love of Godzilla check her FAQ before asking her a question” <—-bwhahahahaha!

And to my fans, I love all of you too! Thank you for the kind words & support! We will change the way people/society views FAT women one curve at a time! xx

I love my ridiculous scar on my forehead from face planting off a bike when I was six. I got stitches and was the coolest kid in kindergarten. Now, my nephew has a matching scar from the same thing, doubling its awesomeness.

LeanneG
on March 15, 2012 at 1:19 pm

I myself, like Tess am a plus sized gal! For the longest time family, friends and people all over have tried to make me feel different, unacceptable, and ugly. Lets just say I haven’t listened to them for years! nor do I feel ugly. I love my markings, my big strong thighs, my curvacious hips, and I have learned to accept and love myself. All women are beautiful no matter what age, weight, and ethnicity. I would have to say my favorite part of me is my big heart! I love sharing all that I have been blessed with and giving to others that may not have as much as me, everyone should feel beautiful (or handsome) and feel special, because thats well, life!. Thank you for such an awesome article and giveaway!

I love my modest boobs. They look great in everything….and on their own. Took me a while to realize that.

Melissa Calvin
on March 15, 2012 at 2:47 pm

I love my farts. They are long and loud and they keep me company when I am lonely. I also love my sense of humor.

Becky
on March 15, 2012 at 3:31 pm

I love me! I’m fabulous inside and out. From my sweet nature to my curly hair to my tattoo covered back right down to my hardworking feet. Everything about me is what I love. People like Tess make that realization easier to come by. All women should be as supportive and accepting as this beautiful person. We need to love ourselves and each other. I love my everything and everything about all of you are fabulous too!

Audrey H.
on March 15, 2012 at 3:31 pm

I love my brain. It has gotten my everywhere that I am now.

Cassidy
on March 15, 2012 at 4:16 pm

I love my curves!! I always feel sexy when I put on an outfit that hugs me in all the good places!!

I love that I’m not starting to accept myself. It’s a great feeling, and a long hard journey that was worth it. I always said I’d NEVER do it. That I’d be a waste of space, disgusting, and nobody will love me. But now I feel that I’m down right hilarious and great company, attractive not despite my size but BECAUSE of my size ;), and I deserve love just as much as the next person! <3

Jasmine Gutierrez
on March 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm

I love my bearilicious booty! Its always been a great asset of mine, and my eyes. With struggle with weight and being the chubby girl I’ve come to gain confidence in myself and how beautiful I really an…all thanks to beautiful women like Tess!

Alicia
on March 15, 2012 at 5:51 pm

I love my beautiful blue eyes! This interview was such an inspiration to me.

I love my green eyes…. it took me a long time to like them. Everyone around me always had blue or brown or hazle eyes and I had these weird green orbs. I actually used to get picked on for them as much as being the fat kid. But I love them to bits now they’re awesome like me 😀

I love my entire face. I’ve always been told I was ugly growing up and that nobody would ever love me. It’s taken me a long time to accept that there are people out there who do find me attractive and I’m slowly becoming one of them.

Jill
on March 15, 2012 at 8:45 pm

I love the color of my skin! As a black women who grew up in an all white town this wasn’t always the case. It took time, but I got there.

Leah
on March 15, 2012 at 8:47 pm

I love the beauty mark to the right of my right eye. Instead of having a monroe, I’m lucky enough to have my very own “Leah”, yeah that’s right I named it after myself 😉 Tess you are beautiful, and thank you for being a strong force behind breaking the stigma that girls that aren’t super model thin can be beautiful too!

Sarah
on March 15, 2012 at 8:52 pm

I love my compassion! 🙂

Megan
on March 15, 2012 at 8:57 pm

I love my giant ass. And my character. But that gets less positive attention than my ass.

A.J.
on March 15, 2012 at 9:11 pm

I love my tummy! I used to hate my body, but now I accept it and love it, chubby tummy and all.

Millie
on March 16, 2012 at 1:27 am

I love my bum!

Kristina
on March 16, 2012 at 5:44 am

I love my tummy – stretch marks, C-Section scar and all. It held life within in and, when the time came, life came from it. Every time I see my scar or my stretch marks I don’t think “God look how awful that is!”. No. I think, “These are my battle wounds. This needed to happen to bring my sweet daughter into the world.” And I’m a proud Mamma and I’ve come to fully love myself.

laura
on March 16, 2012 at 5:53 am

I love my dancer calves.

Tonya Gordon
on March 16, 2012 at 6:24 am

I love that i love all of my body but my favorite feature is my eyes they are a pale blue and my husband said that was the first thing he noticed on me and the fact that i was tall and not afraid to wear tall heels

“I love my tummy” Yep because with my curve I learn to love every inch of my body. Watching my tummy and the stretch mark I know was worth it to carry a baby for 9 month. I a proud latina plus girl and I embrace my curves wherever I go.
Xoxo

I love my brain, because every day it speaks up for me and reminds me that my intelligence and passion for my family, friends and work are more important and far less fleeting than any physical feature or ever changing status of beauty… My mind is my sexy and I pray to God I always have it. <3

Julie
on March 16, 2012 at 7:46 am

I honestly love my scars. They’re reminders of the tough times that I have been through.

I love my stretchmarks – always have, even when I thought I was supposed to hide them. They feel like soft runs in nylon stockings, and I find them beautiful.

Katie Vicious
on March 17, 2012 at 4:15 pm

I love my soul.

You may wonder how this applies to a contest about a feature being that no one can see one’s soul….but you can see someone’s soul in a multitude of ways.

My soul determines how I live my life, the way in which I carry myself, how I interact with others, what I love, what I hate, what I do from day to day. My soul dedicates itself to teaching students with Autism. My soul has been ripped apart and stitched back together several times by lost loves and has molded into a strong piece by my fiancee. My soul has tried to give back to the community through donations, soup kitchen work and volunteering with at-risk teens. My soul takes 10 minutes of each day to tell as many people via text as I can 1 thing I think makes them amazing. My soul determines my fashion allowing me to express how I feel through textures and patterns. My soul lives in music and comes alive with each note.

I love my soul because it makes me more beautiful than any body part I could pick.

I love whats inside my heart cause if your beautiful on the inside it shows on the outside no matter what size you are ♥

Alisha
on March 17, 2012 at 5:21 pm

I love my breasts. It took a long time to accept their large size, believe or not. Many times I went to a local bra shop and had to be fitted with what I called granny bras (you know, the beige paper bag looking things that prevent any cleavage from happening and are garnished with a tacky little red bow that has no business being there). The workers always told me that was the only thing they carried in my size. I felt so ugly and gross in those things, I hated myself because THEY didn’t carry suitable clothing. Eventually I got sick of feeling shamed by the industry and tried online shopping and found a whole plus sized community that celebrated their bodies. Since then I rediscovered how to dress myself and I didnt have to try to squeeze into clothes made for someone else. I feel empowered and even sexy; and now I have braziers that hoist my breasts front and center so everyone can appreciate them as much as I do now 😉

Meghan
on March 17, 2012 at 5:25 pm

I’ve already posted about the part(s) of me I love, but seriously… reading everyone’s comments just makes me happy to be alive. Love me some fatshion : )

I love my size 26 tummy. I used to be ashamed of my glorious gut, but it wasnt until six months ago when I realized Im not disgusting, im not unattrative, im not just a pretty face… Im a plus sized women with a bad ass personality and an even more bad ass body. I no longer give a flying eff what hate comes my way due to my size, because im going to stay as positive as I can possible be for the rest of my time on this earth. Tess has taught me to love my body, and whenever I can share that message with other lovelies, I scream it out loud.

And my big butt!
And my left over baby belly because my lil man lived in it!

And I love this interview!

Cat
on March 18, 2012 at 12:32 am

I love my arms because they’re strong and jiggly.

Britt
on March 18, 2012 at 3:14 am

What an incredible interview. Great questions and answers, never bland.

I love my white girl ghetto booty. (took years to get to that point.)

Crystal Powell
on March 18, 2012 at 4:21 am

I love my legs, they are awesomely toned!

Amy
on March 18, 2012 at 8:37 am

I love my scars, lips, and my eyes and let’s not forget, my curvy hips/butt. It’s taken awhile to love my hips/butt/scars, but growing up and also with the help of Tess ~ I do and all us curvy women ARE beautiful and sexy. (:

I love my legs. They’re long and have adapted well to horseback riding.

christi wolsey
on March 19, 2012 at 5:42 am

I love my strength.

Gia Pantlin
on March 19, 2012 at 7:31 am

Hey there girls,
I love my ability to accept change.
I have easily accepted my change in body, and shape. I have had 4 beautful daughters that mean the world to me. all large ladies from day 1. My smallest baby was 10lbs 4 ounces and largest was 11lbs 9 ounces.
I have accepted the changes in my life, and have truly embraced being ME and Liking myself.. I am kind and generous, and I have only just begun my journey into fashionable plus size clothing.

I love my crazy fashion attitude! I love all kinds of trendy clothes and think I’m a fashion diva. My clothes make everyone think I am around 37 when I am actually almost 46, and I thank you Tess for being so inspirational!!

Erin
on March 20, 2012 at 7:59 am

I love my curves! I am a busty, wide hipped, curvy lady. I think women are supposed to have soft curves, angles are for guys. Thank you for showing off just how gorgeous and lovely a real woman can be. Continue to be a voice to those that are blinded by twigs and shapeless clothes…ugh, scary. They definitely need the help.

I love my smile. I didn’t take very good care of my teeth up until recently and had to go through a lot of fillings. Now I can attract attention to my mouth without trying to hide my teeth. There are still time when I smile that it feels fake because it has been so long since I’ve been able to genuinely smile. Every woman deserves to feel like they are the most beautiful woman in the world. Thank you for this opportunity.

I love my— ample backside. I have no idea why women complain about having a big butt. I love the silhouette, the curves.

Lizz Carter
on December 11, 2012 at 10:28 pm

I love my playful green eyes!!

Lyzz
on January 10, 2013 at 10:53 am

I love my size 24/26 body, every inch. I love that I can walk confidently even if others think I shouldn’t. Makes it more fun that way 😉

NitroNeris
on January 10, 2013 at 11:35 am

I love my lips and smile. Even though my teeth aren’t perfectly straight, I still get compliments and feel beautiful when I smile. Tess has become a huge inspiration in my life and I feel encouraged to create my own modeling page on Facebook and to keep my model mayhem profile updated. Maybe someday I’ll be discovered who knows! <3

I love my round, soft belly. It’s always been the most feminine part of my body. Now with a c-section scar and stretch marks, it further serves to remind me of my strength as a woman. It housed my son for 8 months and helped him into this world.